Site Visit Report

BPCL Sand Bank - Mangrove Plantation Assessment



Date 31 October 2023
Time 11:45 AM to 12:46 PM
Location : Sand Bank Island, westwards of Ernakulam Water Metro Station


Objective

To conduct a site visit and assessment for the plantation of Rhizophora Mucronata saplings as part of the BPCL Mangrove Restoration Project.

Overview

On 31 October 2023, a dedicated team consisting of representatives from Grassroute and BPCL conducted a site visit to assess the suitability of Sand Bank Island for mangrove plantation. This island, situated to the west of the Ernakulam Water Metro Station, is home to an oil pipeline owned by BPCL.

Activities and Observations

The site visit began at 11:45 AM with a comprehensive assessment of the region. During the visit, it was identified that Sand Bank Island featured ideal conditions for planting true mangroves, particularly Rhizophora Mucronata. The team also recognized the presence of three true mangrove species and four mangrove associate species within the site.
Following species we identified in the location.

Sl Common Name Binomial Name Type* Vernacular Name
1 Long-fruited Stilted Mangrove Rhisophora mucronata TM പ്രാന്തന്‍ കണ്ടല്‍
2 White Mangrove Avicennia officinalis TM ഉപ്പട്ടി / ഉപ്പൂത്ത
3 Blind your eye Mangrove Excoecaria agallocha TM കണ്ണാമ്പൊട്ടി / കമ്മട്ടി
4 Sea Holly Mangrove Acanthus ilicifolius MA ചുള്ളിക്കണ്ടല്‍
5 Clerodendrum inerme MA പുഴമുല്ല / ചങ്കുംകുപ്പി
6 Derris trifoliata MA പൊന്നാംവള്ളി
7 Ipomoea campanulata MA മണിവള്ളി

TM = True Mangrove / MA = Mangrove Associate

Consultations and discussions were held among the team members, including Mr. Shubham Khatri, Chief Manager (Project Technical), and Mr. Arjun, Senior Manager (Projects) from BPCL, along with Mr. K.K. Reghuraj, Retired Farm Superindent from KUFOS, and Grassroute members Manoj, Jose, and Thomas. The goal was to finalize the area and formats for planting the 24 Rhizophora Mucronata saplings.

Conclusion

The site visit was concluded at 12:46 PM. It highlighted the island's potential as a crucial site for mangrove plantation and restoration. The rich biodiversity of true mangrove species and associates emphasizes the importance of this project for ecological preservation.

The collaborative efforts of Grassroute and BPCL are aligned with the shared mission of promoting ecological restoration and sustainable environmental practices. We look forward to further advancements in the BPCL Mangrove Restoration Project.


Photos

Sand Bank Island Entrance

Sand Bank Island Entrance


Enroute to Sand Bank Island

Enroute to Sand Bank Island


Enroute to Sand Bank Island

Enroute to Sand Bank Island


Enroute to Sand Bank Island

Enroute to Sand Bank Island


Enroute to Sand Bank Island

Enroute to Sand Bank Island


Discussion going on

Discussion going on


The present mangrove treasure in the island

The present mangrove treasure in the island


This must be Ipomoea campanulata

This must be Ipomoea campanulata


Ipomoea's stem. Really hard to break

Ipomoea's stem. Really hard to break


The Mangrove ecosystem in the island. A close shot

The Mangrove ecosystem in the island. A close shot


The Sand Bank Island. A long shot

The Sand Bank Island. A long shot


The Sand Bank Island. A wide angle shot

The Sand Bank Island. A wide angle shot


Flickr Album

View the Flickr album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB1FaQ

N|Solid

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Pub: 31 Oct 2023 13:31 UTC
Edit: 06 Nov 2023 10:25 UTC
Views: 127